Tuesday, 18 February 2025 11:25

Farmer vote

Written by Milking It

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: The coalition Government, already under the pump thanks to poor polling numbers, is facing the ire of its traditional support base – dairy and red meat farmers.

It’s all to do with plans outlined by the Government to meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Some farmers – including the firebrand lobby Groundswell – are spitting tacks over Climate Change Minister Simon Watts’ announcement that New Zealand will reduce emissions by 51 to 55% compared to 2005 levels, by 2035.

Sensing the mood among farmers, the ACT Party sent out a message to farmers saying, “We’ve heard you”.

ACT says it is determined not to sacrifice farmers and growers at the altar of the climate gods.

Can National afford to lose the farmer vote?

More like this

Kiwisaver Boost

Kiwisaver Boost

OPINION: Being a stock manager of a Government MP's farm can come in handy.

'Regulatory Middlemen'

'Regulatory Middlemen'

OPINION: Groundswell's opinion of the incumbent farm industry representatives isn't high.

Mark Cameron Steps Down, Reflects on Farmers' Voice

When Northland farmer Mark Cameron entered parliament six years ago, the Beehive was a lonely place.

Editorial: Hunting Policy Misses The Mark

OPINION: As the general election approaches, political parties are churning out policies in the hope of attracting more votes.

Domestic Focus

OPINION: After hogging the media limelight for telling a NZ Chinese MP to "go back home", Winston Peters has decided to focus on a domestic issue - oil and gas drilling.

Popular Reads

Why This Canterbury Cropping Farm Converted to Dairy

Converting a longstanding cropping farm to dairy was the only way to ensure the land stayed in the family long…

Peters Targets Fonterra

OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.

Fonterra Names Four Independently Assessed Director Candidates

Fonterra Co-operative Group has confirmed the independently assessed candidates standing for election to its board in 2026.

Inside the Southland Dairy Farm Where Robots and Pasture Work Together

In Dacre, near Invercargill in New Zealand’s South Island, Bruce Dinnington is running a dairy operation unlike any other.

John Deere See & Spray Hits 10 Million Acres, 74% Savings

Developed in Australia and launched in 2021, John Deere’s See & Spray Select System uses camera-based green-on-brown technology to identify…

Featured

Ah Tatua, You've Done It Again!

Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.

Labour Vows to Change Tact on How to Handle Freshwater Rules

A Labour-led Government won’t be bringing back the controversial freshwater rules of 2020.

India FTA Unites NZ First, Greens

National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.

2026-27 Fishing Season Opens Across New Zealand

New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.

CODC Rejects Plan to Spread Sludge on Lauder Farmland

Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.

Pāmu FY26 Report: Profit More Than Doubles to $113m

Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.

National

Breeding the Ultimate Robot-Ready Jersey Herd

In the beautiful, scenic expanse of Invercargill, Joanne (Jo) Crack of Southern Star Farms is redefining what it means to…

Southerly Winds Hit Taranaki Dairy Pasture Growth

A spate of southerly winds bringing cold temperatures has presented challenges for Taranaki dairy farmers.

Why This Canterbury Cropping Farm Converted to Dairy

Converting a longstanding cropping farm to dairy was the only way to ensure the land stayed in the family long…

NZ Milk Price Could Hit $10/kgMS as Global Supply Eases

A 'tsunami' of milk from key exporting countries is winding down and this may be good news for New Zealand…

Farmer Confidence Wavers Despite Decade-High Profits – Feds Survey

Will the good times last? That's one of the key issues to come out of the latest Federated Farmers confidence…

Machinery & Products

John Deere Unveils JD, an AI Assistant for Farm Data

A long way from when AI meant plunging a plastic-covered arm armpit deep up a cow’s rear, John Deere has…

Vogelsang & BeTEC Launch Joint Slurry Applicator Range

German effluent specialist Vogelsang has entered a “strategic joint venture” to develop slurry applicators with Slovenian agricultural machinery manufacturer BeTEC,…

Tabula Live Adds Real-Time Weather to Field Ops Map

Founded in New Zealand in 2006, over the following 20 years, Tabula (formerly TracMap) has evolved to develop technology that…

New CLAAS Swath Turner Fixes Twin-Rotor's Blind Spot

Twin rotor swathers have become the ‘go-to’ for forming swaths to feed hungry harvesters and balers, however, the design layout…

Canterbury Farmer Builds on 160 Years of Dairy Legacy

Gareth Hale is the current custodian of a 160-year legacy that saw his great grandfather dairying in Taranaki since the…

» Latest Print Issues Online

dairynewscover

ruralnewscover

winegrowercover

Milking It

Not Out of the Woods Yet

OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.

Peters Targets Fonterra

OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.

» eNewsletter